Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver or have an equivalent rating.
Be 12 years of age or older.
The Search and Recovery Dive conducted during the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program may be counted toward this speciality at the discretion of the instructor conducting the Speciality Course.

This course covers the techniques and application of a variety of search and recovery methods. The following topics will be included:

• the planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, and hazards of search and recovery diving.
• limited-visibility diving and underwater navigation techniques.
• proper techniques and safety considerations for object location, including the use of various search patterns, lines and reels.
• proper techniques and safety considerations for recovery of objects using various lifting devices.